THE Forest’s street warden team have been given a top award for their efforts handling stray dogs.

The annual Gold Footprint, set up by the RSPCA’s Community Animal Welfare Footprints to acknowledge organisations that go ‘above and beyond’ to ensure the welfare of stray dogs, has been awarded to the team for the fourth time.

The award recognises that the Forest of Dean District Council has clear policies and procedures in place to ensure a high standard of welfare for stray dogs while in the council’s care.

This includes re-homing policies, working in accordance with new legislation and proactive action to educate dog owners to reduce long-term stray dog numbers, whilst also providing a cost effective service.

The council’s highly successful use of social media to reunite stray dogs with their owners and the enforcement of the April 2016 compulsory micro-chipping legislation have been key elements in the awarding of the Gold Footprint.

Councillor Paul Hiett (FF, Bream), cabinet member for communities said: “We’re delighted to receive the RSPCA Gold Footprint Award for the fourth consecutive year.

“This is a fantastic achievement and is in recognition of the continued development and high standard of service carried out by the street wardens when dealing with stray dogs in the local community."

If you have lost your dog or would like to know more about the Council’s dog micro-chipping service, contact the Street Warden Team on 01594 810000 during office hours.